"All Sectors of The Community Work Together to Create a Disaster Resilient Region"

The 3rd Edition of the Hazards Mitigation Plan for the Thurston Region results from a multi-jurisdictional process to develop a mitigation strategy to reduce the risks of the most destructive hazards that threaten the region. This plan specifically addresses communities and local governments within Thurston County.

Earthquakes, landslides, severe storms, floods, wildland fires, volcanic events, and other less common hazards can cause lengthy disruptions and are costly to communities, the state, and the federal government. Hazard mitigation breaks the disaster cycle by identifying and implementing sustained actions that eliminate long-term risks to life and property.

Several planning partners are in the process of developing or updating their annex to the plan. Additional opportunities to comment on the partners' contents may still be available. Contact Paul Brewster at 360-741-2526 for contact information for partner representatives.

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What's the difference between preparedness, response, and mitigation?

Using flood as an example…

Preparedness: activities such as planning or staging of supplies or personnel in anticipation of an emergency. Preparedness involves rescue training, maintaining equipment, and procuring supplies — knowing that response efforts will be necessary in the future.

Response: actions taken during an emergency to protect life and property such as sandbagging, performing rescue or evacuation operations, pumping water to protect assets, or providing emergency shelters to displaced residents.

Mitigation: actions that reduce the demand for preparedness and response activities by minimizing the impacts of flooding. Mitigation activities may include elevating or removing structures in areas that periodically experience flooding. Mitigation can also regulate future development in areas that are prone to flooding.